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Delhi
JR

Jayanth Reddy

2w

Hi, I want to buy my second car with a budget of ₹30 lakh. I am confused between the Harrier Empowered 75 model and the Mahindra XEV 9e Pack Three. I have test-driven both cars. My usage is mainly on the highway, about 3,000 kilometres monthly. I need a reliable car with more real-world range and good service support. Please advise which of the two is the best option for me.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2w
Both the Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra XEV 9e make for very good highway cars. However, between the two, we would lean towards the Mahindra XEV 9e as the overall better package.
The XEV 9e feels more like a ground-up EV, whereas the Harrier EV is derived from the combustion-engine Harrier. As a result, the Mahindra feels a touch more refined and slightly more stable at highway speeds. Both cars ride well and are smooth to drive, but the XEV 9e feels a bit more rounded and cohesive as a complete product.
What really tilts the decision in Mahindra’s favour is the range. In our highway range tests, the XEV 9e delivered an impressive 488km, about 95km more than we achieved with the Harrier EV. For someone like you, doing around 3,000km a month largely on highways, that extra real-world range makes a meaningful difference and reduces charging frequency.
The Harrier EV does offer a comfortable ride and a smooth driving experience, and Tata’s service network is fairly widespread. But when you combine better real-world range, slightly stronger highway manners and the more purpose-built EV feel, the XEV 9e Pack Three comes across as the stronger choice for your usage.
Tata Harrier EV

Tata Harrier EV

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JR

Jayanth Reddy

2w

Thanks a lot

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Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.

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Hi everyone, I’m planning to buy a compact SUV automatic for city driving in Delhi NCR with occasional highway trips. I’m confused between the Mahindra XUV 3XO TGDi AT and the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. My priorities are: smooth automatic for traffic, good ride comfort for NCR roads, reliable ownership and reasonable maintenance, and decent mileage. Would love to hear feedback from owners or experts on which would be the better long-term choice.

Autocar India team

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Go for the Skoda Kylaq Signature+ AT. In Delhi traffic, it's automatic is very smooth, and the ride is mature on broken roads, and although not as supple as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, it is not a sore point. The 6-speed torque converter is known to be reliable and futureproof, as most torque converters are.For your stop‑and-go NCR commute, the Kylaq's calibration makes creeping and low‑speed shifts feel natural, reducing head‑nod in queues. You’ll also appreciate the 446‑litre boot on occasional highway trips. Ownership is predictable with 15,000 km/1‑year service intervals, and you can add an extended warranty (up to 6 years; confirm coverage in your city). Expect roughly 9kpl in Delhi traffic and 13kpl on relaxed highway runs at 90-100kph.The one thing you give up is the XUV 3XO TGDi’s stronger low‑end punch and overall power; the Kylaq AT feels calmer off the line and asks for kickdown for quick overtakes.If you prioritise a punchier engine and more rear seat space, consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7 TGDi AT instead, but if that is not a high priority, the Kylaq is more enjoyable to drive.

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Posted on: 25 Feb 2026